What You Need to Know
Policies
Please read through these policies before your first appointment. They exist to protect your pet, other pets, and Vanessa.
Appointments
Scheduling
All appointments are by request only. Submitting a booking form or texting us does not guarantee an appointment — Vanessa will confirm availability and details with you directly before the appointment is considered confirmed.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Please arrive at your scheduled drop-off time. The salon is located at the rear of 1533 Broad Street, Suite C. Late arrivals may result in a shortened groom or rescheduling — please call or text if you're running behind.
Wait Times
Groom duration varies based on your pet's size, coat, temperament, and the service requested. Vanessa will contact you when your pet is ready. Please be reachable and aim to pick up within 30 minutes of that notification.
Cancellation & No-Shows
Cancellation Notice
We ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows the time slot to be offered to another pet in need.
Late Cancellations
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Repeated late cancellations may result in a deposit being required for future bookings.
No-Shows
Failure to show up for a confirmed appointment without any notice will be considered a no-show. No-shows may require a non-refundable deposit to rebook.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
Vaccination Records
Current vaccination records are required for all pets. Please have records available at your first appointment. Pets must be up to date on: Dogs — Rabies, Distemper (DHPP). Cats — Rabies, FVRCP.
Illness
Do not bring a pet that is currently ill, showing symptoms of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, discharge, excessive lethargy), or has been exposed to a contagious illness within the past 2 weeks. Please reschedule — there is no fee for illness-related cancellations with notice.
Fleas & Parasites
Pets found to have fleas or parasites will receive a flea bath (additional charge) and you will be notified. We reserve the right to end the appointment early and reschedule if the infestation is severe.
Puppies & Kittens
Pets must be at least 12 weeks old and have completed their initial vaccine series before their first appointment.
Matting
Dematting Policy
Light to moderate matting can often be worked through with conditioning and careful brushing. This takes additional time and will affect the final price.
Severe Matting
Matting that is severe, close to the skin, or causing discomfort will be shaved down rather than combed out. Attempting to demat a severely matted coat causes significant pain and is not humane. We will always choose your pet's comfort over coat preservation.
Prevention
Regular brushing between appointments — especially for double-coated and long-haired breeds — prevents matting. Vanessa is happy to recommend a brushing routine for your specific pet.
Creative Grooming
Prerequisite Routine Groom
A routine groom appointment is required before any creative groom can be scheduled. This is non-negotiable. It allows Vanessa to assess your pet's temperament and perform a dye patch test.
Patch Testing
A small amount of dye will be applied to an inconspicuous area at the routine groom appointment and monitored before full creative application. Pets showing any skin reaction will not receive color services.
Right to Modify
Vanessa reserves the right to simplify, pause, or cancel a creative groom at any time if the pet shows signs of stress, discomfort, or intolerance. The safety and wellbeing of the pet always comes first.
Safety & Accidents
Grooming Risks
Grooming inherently involves tools near sensitive areas. We take every precaution, but all grooming carries some risk of minor nicks, especially around the face, ears, feet, and sanitary areas. Senior pets and pets with underlying health conditions carry additional risk, which will be discussed before grooming.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, Vanessa will contact you immediately and, if unreachable, will seek veterinary care. You are responsible for any resulting veterinary fees.
Behavioral Limitations
Pets that are severely aggressive or pose a safety risk to Vanessa may be declined or required to have sedation from a veterinarian before grooming. We will always discuss this with you before the appointment.
Questions about any of these policies?
Vanessa is happy to discuss anything before you book. Just reach out.